I just purchased a cooper with a CVT. It has a failed trans, car will not move. Trans fluid had never been changed, and smells burnt. Does any one know who makes this trans, and is there any experience with an outside rebuilder. I don't plan to get a factory exhange since the price is a little crazy.

thanks in advance for your input

Al

ZF Getriebe N.V. Sint-Truiden I think. Check out this thread
http://www.mini2.com/forum/cvt-automatic/59506-zf-ecotronic-vt1f-automatic-gearbox-description.html

Thanks for the information

Al

Blue Thunder, we'd like to follow your situation; what you find out, how the choices work, who helps. You've got a good start from Sejanus and we'll follow his good example if questions arise.

I purchased this car with 160K. The trans has failed, and this is the second trans. I don't think it is the fault of the trans. I've been in the BMW service business for over 30 years and can't believe what the manufacturers are expecting with this lifetime oil idea!
With small displacement engines the drivers are constantly stressing the shift points. On this vehicle the trans oil is burnt, it has a distince burnt oder. We have attempted an oil service, but found debri and particles in the oil pan.

For those who have not had any problems, I suggest a trans service every 10k. Even if it cost you a few dollars. A few quarts of oil and a trans filter should extend the trans life.

That's both helpful and interesting. I've cut the interval to about half.

I'd bet that most of the early are only now reaching the second schedule gearbox service, called Inspection II stateside. With 160,000 (mi?) on the clock, you may be able to give all kinds of careful comment about component life, wear points, rattles, failures, etc.

Gearbox and engine maintenance lubrication is a curious question now. It really isn't "3,000mi oil changes required" any longer. I've had oil company scientists laugh when asking about this subject. The new manufactured lubricants (they sure don't say "oil" any more) are simply better than the blended stock from an earlier time. The synthetics are even better than these.

For those who have not had any problems, I suggest a trans service every 10k. Even if it cost you a few dollars. A few quarts of oil and a trans filter should extend the trans life.

I am about 5k miles away for next schedule service, and wondering how much dealer ship would charge for extra CVT oil/filter service?
How hard to service CVT trans?

That's both helpful and interesting. I've cut the interval to about half.

I'd bet that most of the early are only now reaching the second schedule gearbox service, called Inspection II stateside. With 160,000 (mi?) on the clock, you may be able to give all kinds of careful comment about component life, wear points, rattles, failures, etc.

Gearbox and engine maintenance lubrication is a curious question now. It really isn't "3,000mi oil changes required" any longer. I've had oil company scientists laugh when asking about this subject. The new manufactured lubricants (they sure don't say "oil" any more) are simply better than the blended stock from an earlier time. The synthetics are even better than these.


If you disassemble any of these newer engines, internally they are the same as there were 30 years ago. When services were performed every 3k. With the exception of new aluminim engines, which in my experience only make for potential problems if you were to over heat them. As for oil and filter changes I always do this every 3k. Any any of these oil scientist that want my old oil to put into there car after 3k miles they can have it. I think the bulk of the high miles service interval is simply marketing to promote low maintenance to the first owner, knowing he/she will most likely trade it in after 3-4 years. I keep my cars longer.

The Mini is easy to service. I would recommend that forum members do much of this themselves. Oil services can now be done without lifting the vehicle. (Here comes the commercial) We offer a vacuum operated oil extractor that sucks the oil out of the dipstick tube.
This works like a champ. You can do your own oil and filter faster than you can arrange a ride to have your friend meet you at the dealer to drop off your car for that "Free oil change". My first experience with one of these vacuum operated oil changers was in Europe in 1973. Some gas station on the Autobahn would have them near the air and water stations. You could use it yourself, (knowing you would buy 5 quarts of oil). After pounding your car at 100 MPH you could put in fresh oil and be back in the fast lane in less than 10 minutes.

The trans service takes a little more time since you have to lift the vehicle.

The Mini is very user friendly almost everything that can wear out is from the gas pedal forward. If your like me and keep your cars for more than 3 years. You can save a bundle of money on car payments and insurance by keeping your car longer. Few people consider the car payment as part of the cost of operation. They only think that once the warranty expires they should get rid of there car to avoid repairs. Repairs rarely happen at 500 per month. But car payments always do.

i have a cooper cvt (built jan 04).
the transmission was replaced (due to leakage) in feb 06.
thot everything is fine and dandy, but i am sending my baby for yet another transmission replacement later this month (due to some mechanical problem with the torque converter!)

sigh! luckily we have 3 years warranty here, else, there will be a big hole in my pocket!

KL3223
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miniclubmalaysia.com
miniclubmalaysia.net

Just a reminder that the MINI CVT-equipped cars have a clutch pack to transfer power from the engine to the gearbox. There is no torque converter.

The MINI Cooper S Automatic does use a stepped-gear automatic transmission with torque converter.

For those who have not had any problems, I suggest a trans service every 10k. Even if it cost you a few dollars. A few quarts of oil and a trans filter should extend the trans life.

How hard to service CVT transmission oil?
Do you think my mechanic can do the job?

It's not difficult, We have the engine and trans already out of thios vehicle, but will try to make a little howto aricle out of the project. This car is getting a new trans, and a valve job. Bottom end seems to be good. However the valves are not seating at cyl. #2&3.

What makes you to replace with new trans instead of repairing?
And how much would it cost you to complete your project?

I talked to my mechanic, he couldn't believe the cost of trans itself($3,500), and cost of install dealer ship offers($3,500). He said he could do $8-900 to replace trans plus cost of new trans which he could never figure it out the cost of new trans.

Thanks in advance

Hi Cafemoc

I'm interested in who gave you a quote for 3500 for a replacement. I haven't found anyone under 5800 here in NY. Was that for a new trans from dealer or a rebuild?

Thanks
LightningHeart

Blue Thunder,

What's your finding?
Would you share your experience with other CVT owners?

Thanks.